I Will Not Cover Merck's Patent Litigation Against Pfizer, On These Vaccines...

As many here assembled well-know, for about a decade. . . I used to follow Merck's patent litigation portfolio pretty closely. But my life, as it is now unfolding, is such that reading patent pleadings and claim construction charts. . . provides a wholly inadequate psychological return, especially when I can spend that time outdoors. . . enjoying myself. [To be fair, that may change -- on the occassional sub-zero, snow buried February evening, with the wind howling -- and a fire crackling, in my fireplace.]

But (in any event) I will note that this new vaccine is good news, for Merck. If in the end Merck shares some of the Vaxneuvance™ revenue with Pfizer, or Pfizer shares some of the Prevnar™ revenue with Merck, as a settlement in the patent litigation. . . I guess I really don't care. Nor should you -- it won't materially affect the price of either company's stock.

The good news is that people will be protected against up to 13, 15 or 20 variants of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes depending on which vaccine they get. Here's the latest:

. . .[T]he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) (pronounced VAKS-noo-vans) for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F in adults 18 years of age and older.

The approval follows the FDA’s Priority Review of Merck’s application. VAXNEUVANCE is contraindicated for individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of VAXNEUVANCE or to diphtheria toxoid; see additional Select Safety Information below. . . .

Now you know -- on to a glorious mid summer week, with baby girl still home. . . grinning -- ever grinning.

नमस्ते